A cataract is a loss of transparency, or clouding, of the generally clear lens of the eye caused by a buildup of proteins. This typically occurs gradually over the course of several years. Vision through eyes with cataracts is often described as similar to looking through a foggy window or piece of wax paper.
Many people are unaware that they have cataracts because the changes in their vision are so gradual, and the severity of cataracts vary from person to person. The loss of transparency may be mild, hardly impacting vision, or in some cases so severe that no shapes or movements are seen, only light and dark.
How quickly a cataract develops varies among individuals, and may even be different between the two eyes. Most age-related cataracts progress gradually, and the average age people come to have surgery is 74 years old. Other cataracts, especially in younger people and individuals with diabetes, may progress rapidly. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast they will develop in any given person. Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms are not bothering you, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful. Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities, such as driving at night or in bright sunlight. There are no medications, dietary supplements or exercises that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
At Center for Sight’s Sacramento cataract center, we offer several surgical treatment options to restore your vision. Backed by years of experience, expert care, and thousands of successful cataract surgeries, you can trust that your eyesight is in expert hands.
Once a cataract has developed, there is no cure but to have it surgically removed, and glasses or contact lenses cannot sharpen your vision if a cataract is present. If you or a loved one have cataracts and are concerned about surgery, rest assured; Dr. Liang is not only an expert in the field, but he also uses the most up-to-date techniques and equipment.
Medical and surgical advancements have made cataract surgery one of the most common and gentle procedures performed today, and surgery typically lasts under fifteen minutes. Cataract surgeries are one of Dr. Liang’s specialties. He has performed thousands of successful procedures.
Alternatively, laser cataract surgery uses laser pulses to create an incision surrounding the cornea. Using the LENSAR™ Femtosecond Laser System, Dr. Liang is able to define the cataract’s entire anatomy allowing for a safer possible solution for removal. Laser cataract surgery improves the precision of many of the key surgical steps to provide possibly improved patient outcomes, with the potential of making surgery even safer.
Once the cataract is removed, many types of lenses are used, with the newest being accommodative IOLs.
Dr. Liang can now provide patients with a choice of traditional IOLs or the newer accommodative IOLs. These lenses called Crystalens are flexible hinges with two flexible loop extensions at the ends of each plate. The hinges allow the lens to flex and move forward to see both near and far. What does this mean for the patient? It means that an accommodative lens is designed so that patients may not have to use reading glasses after their cataract surgery.
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At Center for Sight, the best quality care is provided and we ensure a thorough explanation of what you can expect after cataract surgery. Recovery from cataract surgery is generally very quick, and most patients experience improved vision within the first-day post-procedure! Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common.
Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, any moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eye drops to help to heal and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your cataract eye doctor about how to use your eye drops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
If you have any questions about traditional or laser cataract surgery, feel free to contact the Center for Sight in Sacramento at 916-446-2020.
